SIT-STAY FOR
LEASH BITERS
At the end of training, the dog will sit for a hand signal when there is a leash dangling in front of them in or out of a kennel, & will remain seated while being leashed.
This plan is for dogs who bite and play tug with the leash. Often dogs will stop biting the leash on walks after completing this plan, without needing to complete a leash walking plan. However, if the dog you're working with continues to bite the leash on walks after finishing this training, you can add steps in which the dog walks nicely with the distractions listed below, rather than holding a sit.
Complete the Basic Sit-Stay Plan before starting this plan.
HOW TO USE THIS PLAN:
Repeat each step 5 times. If the dog breaks his sit-stay, re-seat him & try again. If the dog grabs the leash, drop it immediately. If working with shelter dogs, work this plan outside of the kennel up to step 11. Use food lures to leash the dog before he’s trained to sit for leashing (see Management).
If the dog is kenneled, exit the kennel & walk away for a few minutes if he grabs the leash. If needed, trade for treats to retrieve the leash.
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If the dog gets it right 4 or 5 times out of 5, move to next step.
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If the dog gets it right 3 times out of 5, repeat the current step.
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If the dog gets it right 1 or 2 or times out of 5, drop to the previous step.
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“Getting it right” means the dog holds the sit throughout the duration of the distraction.
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Always reward the dog in a sit position. If he gets up when you’re reaching for treats after a distraction, get him back into a sit before giving him the treat.
THE TRAINING PLAN:
For the following steps, the distraction commences first, THEN cue a sit.
